Saint Francis Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Senior leaders and governors have ensured that the school has improved, at pace, since the last inspection. They are ambitious for further improvements. Subject and middle leaders are a strength of the school.

They undertake their responsibilities with diligence and enthusiasm. Leaders sometimes lack the necessary attention to detail in their plans for school improvement and some administrative tasks. This can make it difficult to hold colleagues fully to account for their actions.

Teachers and teaching assistants have high expectations for every pupil. Work in pupils' books is usually well presented, regardless of the subject. Teachers a...nd teaching assistants are sharp at identifying pupils who need additional support in reading, writing and mathematics.

They deal with pupils' misconceptions quickly and effectively. The assessment practice for subjects other than English and mathematics is not yet consistent. Teachers do not match work to pupils' abilities as well as they might in these subjects.

The school's strong ethos is the bedrock for pupils' personal development and welfare. Pupils are thoughtful and understanding to the needs and differences of others. Safeguarding is effective because staff know pupils and their families well.

They care deeply for each pupil and are vigilant for pupils who may be in need. Pupils attend regularly because they enjoy school. Their conduct is usually of a high standard.

Work in pupils' books show that most are making progress that is good or better. Pupils who are more vulnerable to underachievement, such as the disadvantaged, achieve well from their starting points. Historical performance information shows that the progress of some pupils could be accelerated further.

Children make a good start to their education in the early years. Teachers plan activities that stimulate their interest and inquisitiveness. Parents are encouraged to play an active part in their child's development in the early years.

These positive relationships continue as pupils progress through the school.

Information about this school

St Francis Catholic Primary School is an average-size primary school. The majority of pupils are taught in single-age classes, including children in the early years, who attend full time.

Two thirds of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportions of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds or who speak English as an additional language have risen to above the national averages since the last inspection. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils eligible for the pupil premium is below the national average but has doubled since the time of the last inspection.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below the national average. In 2016, the school met the national floor standards for pupil achievement. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

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